[The-Profezzor]

I have a 62 Ford Van that has lived long and served well and I want to keep it as a daily driver. It had a 200cc engine it when I bought it after being parked for 7 years. Anyhow, for one reason or another I'm looking at replacing the current six cylinder (2nd swap) with something soon. Hopefully, before the currently knocking rod comes out to say hello.
I know its been done before, because since 1962 most anything thinkable has been done. What is your advice about taking it up to a small V8 and maybe a auto trans while I'm at it?
Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated!

Prof

[Halloweenking]

Please tell me the 200cc was a typo A v-8 and auto would be nice, it will be easier/cheaper to replace parts, and give you a bit more umph at the same time. Do the swap, keep the old 200ci 6'er in the garage and thank it for years of service and maby get creative and make it a table base for a lamp to sit on after you gut it or something nice like that.

HK

[The-Profezzor]

Thanks for the advice, HK. Yes, 200cc was a typo. I need advice about what size/make of V8 to plug into the *between the seats* location for the engine. Also, what auto-trans would make for the easiest swap.
I'm just fine with swapping Apples to Apples. But, when it comes to stuffing 8lbs of engine/tranny into a 5lbs slot, I'm not so hot.
I did this last swap alllll by myself, so its not beyond me, I just need a jumping off place besides on that'll lead me up on the roof.
Tks
Prof

[Weimer]

I just traded off a 1964 Econo PU with the Heavy Duty package. Check out these folks...they are very helpful/knowlegable with what ever you may need help with. If you search Yahoo egroups and look for a group called 'old econolines' or 'old econlines 2' these are the folks you want to chitchat with.
Here is the site <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=econoline" target="_blank">http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=econoline</a>
There were several members from So-Cal area I do believe so you may even get a couple to come over and help you.
With those trucks (especially the pickups) You either love them or hate them...They are so ugly that they are neat as hell.
Here are a few sites from my Econoline library:
<a href="http://www.afbenterprises.com/econoline/links.html" target="_blank">http://www.afbenterprises.com/econoline/links.html</a>
<a href="http://www.vannin.com/earlies/earlylinks.html" target="_blank">http://www.vannin.com/earlies/earlylinks.html</a>
<a href="http://www.geocities.com/econolinescott/ECONOLINE-TRUCKS.html?1016646689060" target="_blank">http://www.geocities.com/econolinescott/ECONOLINE-TRUCKS.html?1016646689060</a>
<a href="http://www.wingsisp.com/emboss/econo.htm" target="_blank">http://www.wingsisp.com/emboss/econo.htm</a>
<a href="http://www.mindspring.com/~hmarchand/Links_/links_.html" target="_blank">http://www.mindspring.com/~hmarchand/Links_/links_.html</a>

And my personal Favorite V8 Econoline site... <a href="http://www.shadoworksart.com/econo.htm" target="_blank">http://www.shadoworksart.com/econo.htm</a>

Hope this helps you to get started on where you need to start.
Later,
WEIMER

[The-Profezzor]

I finally got the time to check out all the links Weimer left and now I've got info "to let"!
It looks like its not a big of a job as I was afraid it would be to make it a 289 V8, so I think thats the route I'll go.
I have a feeling, though, I'll be back!

Thanks again,
Prof